The American Economy: The Struggle for Supremacy in the 21st Century

Description

This work focuses on the economic challenges the American economy has met during the post-World War II era, and on the new challenges--represented notably by the competing economies of Japan, Germany, and the entire European union--that confront it as the twenty-first century approaches. The book shows how the transformations brought about by international competition fit the long-term processes of economic growth and change with respect to structural mutations, technological development, the role of the government, and the evolution of government-business relations. Nicholas Spulber presents a detailed critique of the thesis alleging that the American economy had experienced some kind of decline, and argues that the economy will continue to move forward energetically and successfully if growth and change are primarily left to emerge from the impulses and incentives of the private economy.

'Mr. Spulber lucidly discusses US economic growth over the past four decades, focusing on the changing nature of government-business relations, the strength of US technological progress and the 'proliferation of strategic international alliances, joint venture mergers, and acquisitions of foreign firms' in which the US plays the leading role.' Charles Wolf Jr, Wall Street Journal 'Professor Spulber's book gives a balanced response to 'declinists' and advocates of industrial policy. He reminds us that a free, market economy corrects its mistakes and moves forward without the wastes of planning.' Allan H. Meltzer, Carnegie Mellon University 'This book makes a contribution in its effective criticism of industrial planning, as the concept has come to be called, and its discussion of the problems and promises of technological change. Professor Spulber provides a consistent and effective counterpoint to such centralized planning as Robert Heilbroner, Albert Gore, Robert Reich, and others have called for.' Gene Smiley, Marquette University '... a welcome contrast to much of the polemical literature in this area, being firmly grounded in economic analysis and quantitative evidence but remaining accessible and clearly written.' Economic History Review